Self-Inflicted Wounds

I don't often read humor books by comedians. Although, I probably should because they are usually a breath of fresh air from heavier reading. I read Aisha Tyler's first book Swerve many years ago when I was probably in my early 20s (??) and I don't remember much about it. This book, however, will probably stick in my memory because I'm older now and the life lessons she discusses are more relevant to me. I didn't know much about life's struggles when I was just starting out in the world, but now I can relate. Initially, based on the book jacket description, I was just expecting a funny book about crazy things that happened to her, but I was surprised to find some inspiration as well.

The breakdown of the book is essentially 32 mini-chapters about instances where Tyler humiliated herself or something crazy happened because of her own actions. At the end of most of the stories, though, she discusses what she learned. I really admire her for always striving ahead in life with no fear. I think if you are struggling with moving forward with your dreams, you will enjoy this book. It's a light, easy way for you to kind of get that kick in the rear that might motivate you to also strive without fear.  You get a few good laughs to boot! It's not laugh out loud funny all the way through, but it has its moments. I truly appreciated her candor and motivational analogies for life. This would be a good quick summer read for anyone interested in getting a little jolt of optimism through vicarious embarrassment.

How To Be Black

I have walked by this book probably about five times in the library over the past few weeks.  I never looked at the cover or inside jacket.  I only saw the spine and thought “After The Warmth of Other Suns, I don’t think I’m ready for another deep book”.  I really thought it was a historically researched book.  Yes, I judged a book by its cover (well, spine).  Anyway, I then saw that the author will be here in a few weeks for the Philadelphia Book Festival.  I finally took the time to read the blurb about the book.  Once I found out it was supposed to be funny, I was all over it and picked it up from the library the next day.  I got sucked in by the comedic veracity and finished the book in less than 24hours.

I laughed until I had tears in my eyes while reading some portions of this book.  The title says it all.  This book will give you pointers, tips, and suggestions for what you need to do as a black person in America depending on your situation in life.  It is a satirical guide with pearls of truth. The truth is always hidden in a joke.  What really impressed me about the book is the universality of it.  You might think it’s only for black folks to read, but everyone could gain some comical insight from reading this book.  Even if you’re not black you still will recognize many of the situations discussed.  Hopefully you will also see the humor in it and not get worked up.   It’s SATIRE!  I mean, really, this guy wrote for The Onion so that should tell you what you’re getting yourself into.  Relax your shoulders and just go with it. 

The chapters carry tongue-in-cheek titles such as “Can You Swim?”and “When Did You First Realize You Were Black?”  Within each chapter, Thurston hits the nail on the head about the situations that face us on a daily basis. Finding the humor in situations and using them to spark conversation is a starting point for many people when they discuss stereotypes and race.  In the end, Thurston shows us that there really is no protocol for being black in America.  We have varied individual experiences just like everyone else.  I really enjoyed this book for its humor and for its honesty.  I don’t want to be that person, but I may just have to actually buy the book and stand in line to have him sign it at the book festival!



**Postscript April 18th, 2013**

I am that person. His event at the Free Library of Philadelphia was amazing and I was more than happy to buy the book and have it signed.  I was definitely on the cusp of becoming a fangirl.  

Sacré Bleu

I enjoyed Lamb, which is also by Christopher Moore, so when my book club selected this book I thought it would be a good read.  However, I was bored by the entire story.  Now, mind you, my first degree is in Art History so I thought it would be interesting to see the various artists portrayed in a work of historical fiction. Alas, I had to buy a cup of coffee to finish the last 100 pages.  The book starts with Vincent Van Gogh's apparent suicide.  But was it really a suicide?  That is what fellow artists Lucien Lessard and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec try to discover.  Along the way, we discover that there is a supernatural duo that is leading painters to go mad, lose huge chunks of their memories, and forget about masterpieces they have created.  There is a lot of time jumping in the story. Within one chapter you may be reading about 19th century France and then you're back in 12th century France.  That was a little annoying, but I dealt with it.  What really became old quickly were all the sexual and phallic jokes.  Listen, I was in 6th grade around 1988-89 and I got my fill of prepubescent humor.  One or two jokes, whatever, but an entire book throughout which one guy uses the word penis as his punch line?  I'll pass, and you should too. 

What in God's Name

This is a quick, funny book.  I literally finished it in about 5 hours (give or take an hour or two).  Once again, if you are easily offended by an author taking a different perspective on religion, stay away.  If you are open-minded and enjoy the idea that maybe there is a little humor to be found in everything, then you may enjoy this.  Basically, God is done with us humans and decides that it's time to wipe us out.  Two angels intervene and strike a deal with God to stop the planned destruction if they can get two socially awkward people to hook up.  The plot somehow works and there are some pretty funny lines in the book as well.  It is definitely meant to be light. Of course the pseudo-intellectual in me did get a bit introspective. I started to think about all the times I thought something was a "coincidence".  I will never look at a gust of wind or a sneeze the same way.  So I guess there is an opening for deep discussion if you want to take it there. Enjoy!

 

A Year in the Merde

This is a supposed to be (according to the book jacket) a nearly true account about a British executive who moves to Paris to work for a company there and all the hilarity that ensues.  Well I was laughing out loud in the beginning of the book and then it turned into a never-ending quest by the author to get laid.  There was also a side story about how his boss was seemingly involved in some weird Parisian political scheme, but I never got interested in that portion of the story, nor did I really care at that point.  I thought I would be getting a funny perspective about living in Paris as a non-Parisian.  Instead it's pretty much about a man hoping he can get lucky with the ladies.  I love most things Parisian, but I think I will stick to reading books about the food of Paris and the relationship one has with the city, not with the female inhabitants of said city.  You can skip this one. Try The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry or Paris, My Sweet instead.

Seriously...I'm Kidding

When I used to work the night shift, I would wake up around 3pm and watch Ellen's show.  I loved the show and laughed a lot while getting ready for work.  It literally would make my day sometimes. She is such a positive person and you can tell she has a big heart.  I really like that about her. That being said, here is my synopsis of the book.

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Good point, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Good point. 

You just read her book.  Writing is not quite Ellen's thing.  I think her strength is performing in front of a live audience.  The plus side of this book is that you can finish it quickly so you won't feel like you wasted too much of your time. My recommendation for a book that was well written, introspective, AND funny continues to be Bossypants.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me

I waited a long time for this book to come to the library.  In the meantime, during the wait, I was able to read half of it for free in Barnes & Noble one day on my Nook.  So when the book came today I was able to finish it in about 3 hours. It's okay.  Not as funny as Bossypants, but a quick enjoyable read. There were a few dry moments when she is describing certain ideas, people, and places related to comedic writing that bored me.  Other than that, you could easily breeze through this book in a day.  If you have to make a choice and can only read *one*, I'd go with Bossypants every time.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames

There is not much to say about this book.  The first book I ever read by David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day, was hilarious!  I can't say the same about this collection of essays/stories.  It was just kind of blah.  I didn't laugh out loud with any of these stories.  In fact, I only vaguely even remember some of the stories and I just finished the book.  If you read anything by Sedaris, I would definitely recommend Me Talk Pretty One Day.  However, you can skip this one and still have a full life.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

I first read this book when I lived in NYC and I remember laughing out loud during my commute on the train.  Well, I still laughed out loud here and there so I guess this book has still got "it".  I also think the stories about France were more significant and hilarious to me this time around since I have actually traveled to France in the interim and can relate.  The book is a collection of very short stories/essays from the author's life that cover just about every topic from being forced into speech therapy for a stubborn lisp to the experience of talking like a toddler when speaking a foreign language in a new country (hence the title).  There is a funny, often sarcastic, spin put on all the stories. If you don't like sarcasm, you may not like the stories.  However, I enjoy a good dose of sarcasm and wit so I had a good time with this book.

The Book of Awesome

From the moment I started reading this book I found myself saying "YES! THAT *IS* AWESOME!!" and laughing out loud just from reading the topic of certain blurbs (I see you 3-paycheck month!).  I think everyone should read this book because humor and laughter should be a part of everybody's life.  Everyone can relate to the subjects in the book that make life AWESOME!  If you are feeling down or you need a break from the rat race.....pick this book up and start laughing. You will improve your day 1000%.  This one definitely goes on my "best of" list.

Is It Just Me?

If you have some common sense then this book is preaching to the choir.  Whoopi basically discusses (in short quick chapters) how civilization is not really civil anymore.  So if people who talk on their cell phones in the movie theater, don't give their kids boundaries, don't know how to act in public, gossip about everything that's NOT their business, clip their nails in public, or are just plain rude to others get on your nerves, then this book will have you nodding your head and saying "so true, so true".

Bossypants

I literally did laugh out loud while reading this.  I am already a fan of hers anyway.  Perfect light summer reading.  She actually makes some really good points about life in between the laughs and among the laughs.  If you can laugh *and* learn a little something at the same time, it's a win-win.  I really enjoyed this.

Marry Him

Pretty freakin' hilarious (to me). She talks about how women hold out for the perfect guy and don't realize that he doesn't exist so you better scoop up a guy who's good enough and go with it or you'll be old and alone.  Sound depressing, but it was funny.

Bad Mother

At times hysterically funny, and then at times sad and brutally honest.  I really enjoyed this book because I feel like it gave a more realistic look at parenting in these times, warts and all. Sometimes knowing what parents are dealing with can help you work with them.

Surviving Your Stupid Stupid Decision to go to Grad School

LOVED IT!!!  Geared more towards those going for their doctorates, but I recommend it to anyone in grad school or anyone who went to grad school.  It will have you cracking up because so much of it is so TRUE.  I picked this up randomly in the bookstore. Once I read this line and started laughing, I had to read the whole thing:  "The abstract forces you to write in twenty lines what you're about to write in twenty pages.  It also makes you wonder what the point is of those twenty pages if you can summarize everything so nicely in twenty lines."....MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY! LOL!